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Mancini admits RVP interest

Image: Robin van Persie: Roberto Mancini admits he's an admirer of the Dutchman

Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini has confirmed his interest in Arsenal captain Robin van Persie.

City boss a fan - but thinks striker will sign new Arsenal deal

Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini has confirmed his interest in Robin van Persie - but believes the Arsenal captain will remain with the Gunners. The 28-year-old, who has netted 32 goals for the north London club this season, is out of contract at the Emirates Stadium in 2013 and has put talks over a new deal on hold until the summer. Mancini would love to sign Van Persie if he became available, but does not think that will happen. The Italian said: "We are interested in all good players. This is normal, but not only us. I think all the good teams are interested in Van Persie. "I think Van Persie at this moment is one of the best strikers in Europe with [Lionel] Messi, [Cristiano] Ronaldo and with Sergio [Aguero] and Mario [Balotelli]. "I think he is a fantastic striker, but I think he will remain with Arsenal."

Stay

City acquired Samir Nasri from Arsenal last summer and have also signed Gael Clichy, Kolo Toure and Emmanuel Adebayor from the Gunners in recent years. Mancini added: "I think if there is a good player who wants to leave a club, then we are interested. "But if this player wants to stay, we don't have any problem. In my opinion, Van Persie will stay at Arsenal. "I think Robin van Persie will sign a new contract with Arsenal because if Arsenal lose also Van Persie, they will have a big problem. "I think Arsenal will buy good players in the summer. Arsenal is a top team. They want to win the next Premier League, so for these reasons I think he will stay."

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